HELPING young people become the next generation of business leaders was the theme of an event attended by leading local technology companies.

More than 15 firms, including QinetiQ and Malvern Instruments, attended Malvern Hills District Council business briefing hosted by Morgan Motor Company at which the main topic of discussion was how to ensure young people could access the skills, work experience and career guidance they needed to progress in the future.

A number of countywide schemes were highlighted which could support them access the opportunities offered by Malvern Hills businesses, which range from cyber security to designing electric cars.

Keynote speaker Dr Adrian Burden talked about good ways to inspire young people to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, including running Raspberry Pi

Dr Burden, who is the director of the Malvern Festival of Innovation, said: “Innovation is not just about technology. It’s about a mind-set and activities such as the Next Generation Innovators day at this year’s Festival are designed to help young people think creatively and see how a career based on science, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation can be exciting and rewarding.”

Matt Tope, from the county-wide Connecting Schools and Business programme, also introduced the new Worcestershire Skills Central portal, which will now make it easier for schools and businesses to find each other and match opportunities for work experience placements.

“Malvern Hills District Schools are exemplary in continuing to run work experience placements, despite increasing pressures on resources. However there are 721 placements needed every year in the district, and the support of businesses has never been more important.”

The Malvern Festival of Innovation is the national showcase for social, technical and business innovation and this year will take place between October 6-11. For more information about this year’s programme and exhibition and sponsorship opportunities visit http://www.festival-innovation.com To get involved with supporting the next generation of innovators register at Worcestershire Skills Central http://www.worcestershireskillscentral.co.uk/